Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, has described Cambodia’s decision to join ASEAN as a historic diplomatic milestone that significantly enhanced the scope and strength of the Kingdom’s international relations.
Speaking at a special lecture titled “Cambodia and ASEAN, ASEAN and the World” held at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia on May 5, in commemoration of the 26th anniversary of Cambodia’s accession to ASEAN, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, former Prime Minister of Cambodia, called the decision one of the country’s most strategic and far-reaching moves.
“This is a vital step forward not only in the political, diplomatic, economic and cultural aspects, but also in terms of state governance,” he stressed.
Under his leadership, Cambodia officially became a member of ASEAN on April 30, 1999. Reflecting on that decision, Samdech Techo Hun Sen outlined four key reasons behind Cambodia’s move to join the regional bloc: the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states; the spirit of community, built on consensus-based decision-making; socio-economic development through regional integration; and a gateway to broader diplomatic opportunities.
“Cambodia is truly indebted to ASEAN,” he emphasised, noting the bloc’s critical role in Cambodia’s peacebuilding process—particularly in hosting and repatriating refugees, facilitating negotiations between conflicting parties, and mediating political reconciliation efforts, even when ASEAN did not formally recognise the then Cambodian government.
“This historical lesson remains profoundly relevant,” he said. “Although ASEAN once considered a government illegitimate, it continued to promote negotiations—through official and unofficial, open and discreet channels—for the higher purpose of securing peace for the entire region.”
Samdech Techo Hun Sen praised ASEAN’s respect for Cambodia’s sovereignty and right to self-determination, underlining that its support was always extended with the recognition and request of all Cambodian parties involved.
